So, you’re ready to level-up your home—a new kitchen, maybe fresh paint, maybe you’re going all-in with new floors and more space. Sounds amazing… until you remember you’ll be working smack in the middle of the mess. The good news? Plenty of people survive this balancing act and live to brag about their gorgeous updates. Here’s how you, your sanity, and your deadline-driven job can do the same.

Carve Out Your Own Corner

First, you should find a spot you can claim and keep (mostly) chaos-free. If you can spare a guest room or a quiet bedroom nook, set up shop there. 

Don’t have the space? Get creative. A basement, sunroom, even a tidy stretch of hallway can become your refuge with a comfy chair and a sturdy table. Some folks even use heavy curtains or a tall bookshelf to “wall off” a zone that’s theirs alone. You should also try getting noise-blockers like white noise machines or headphones to preserve a sliver of peace.

Get Real With Your Contractor

You don’t have to apologize for working at home; just let your home renovation contractor know what you need. Favorite window for calls? Let them know. An immovable 2 p.m. Zoom? Mention it. Most crews are used to working around families, pets, and businesses—sometimes they can even shift their schedule a bit so you have a window of quiet to nail that presentation. Hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign or send a quick morning text to keep everyone on the same page. 

Embrace Flexibility (Even If You’re Not a Fan)

Some renovation days are just… loud. Plan to knock out busywork or easy tasks when you know things are going to get wild. Save your big projects, sensitive calls, or deep-focus work for calm mornings, late afternoon, or days when the crew is finishing up elsewhere. And don’t shy away from working at a coffee shop, library, or co-working spot if your home feels impossible for a while. 

Protect Your Gear (and Your Headspace)

Keep your electronics safe from dust—zip them up in bags or stash them in drawers at night. And since your WiFi is your lifeline, have a phone hotspot or backup plan in case someone (it happens!) snips a cable. Headphones are a must, not just for calls but for drowning out the latest round of hammering.

Don’t Forget Self-Care

It’s not just your house getting a makeover—your routine is, too. Give yourself extra wiggle room when things get stressful. Take walks, grab your favorite snacks, and know that it’s okay to duck out when you need to breathe. Once you’re back in your finished space, it’ll all feel worth it—and you’ll have earned some serious bragging rights.

Surviving renovations when you work from home is all about being a little scrappy, a little patient, and keeping your eye on the prize: a more beautiful (and productive) home base at the finish line.